'Warburg effect' controls tumor growth, bacterial, viral infections and immunity - Genetic deconstruction and therapeutic perspectives

Glucose transporter 2‑transported glucosamine inhibits glycolysis in cancer cell lines through competition with glucose for hexokinase II

Antiproliferative effects of glucosamine, a glucose derivative with a similar structure to glucose, have been discovered, but the molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Since glucosamine and glucose not only have similar structures but also are catalyzed by the same enzyme, hexokinase (HK), the present study delved into determining whether the antiproliferative effect of glucosamine involved the inhibition of glycolysis by competition with glucose. Whole‑genome screening analysis showed that a number of the gene pathways controlled by glucosamine were directly and indirectly involved in glycolysis. In vitro experiments revealed that as more glucose was added, the antiproliferative effect of glucosamine decreased. Also, it was found that glucosamine was transported into cells mainly through glucose transporter (GLUT) 2 which was responsible for the antiproliferative effects of glucosamine. In addition, the present study found that cancer cell lines with low expression level of HKII show high sensitivity to glucosamine and a HK inhibitor, 3‑bromopyruvate, enhanced the antiproliferative effect of glucosamine. Under hypoxic conditions, activated hypoxia‑inducible factor 1α (HIF‑1α) inducing glucose uptake and glycolysis hampered glucosamine‑induced cell death and HIF1A knockdown or HK inhibitors restored the antiproliferative effects of glucosamine. These findings demonstrated that glucosamine is an efficient glycolysis inhibitor and that GLUT2 and HKII play important roles as biomarkers for determining sensitivity to glucosamine. Moreover, the results suggested that the antiproliferative effect of glucosamine may be more efficient when administered in combination with other glycolytic agents or inhibitors targeting HIF‑1α.

Esculetin inhibits liver cancer by targeting glucose-6-phosphate isomerase mediated glycolysis

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is challenging to detect in its early stages, and the global incidence rate and mortality associated with this disease have reached alarming levels. Currently, treatment options for liver cancer are limited, and there is a significant lack of safe and effective therapeutic agents. Esculetin is a natural product, exhibits almost non-toxic and inhibitory properties against various malignancies, making it a subject worthy of further investigation in liver cancer.

METHODS

In this study, potential targets of esculetin in liver cancer were identified through transcriptomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking technologies, and gene interference. Direct binding targets of esculetin were identified using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The molecular mechanisms by which esculetin affects glucose metabolism in liver cancer were also explored. Finally, the activity against liver cancer and mechanisms of action of esculetin were validated in vivo using a mouse tumor model.

RESULTS

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) was shown to have a direct binding affinity for this compound. Esculetin inhibits glycolysis in liver cancer through its interaction with GPI and it was shown to exert a significant inhibitory effect on the genes and proteins associated with glycolysis such as ALDOA, ENO1, GAPDH, LDHA, PFKL, PGAM1, PGK1, and PKM2. Furthermore, esculetin not only suppresses the growth of liver cancer cells in vitro but also exhibits notable anti-tumor effects in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of esculetin against liver cancer both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating inhibition of glycolysis in liver cancer cells. In addition, the key glycolysis enzyme GPI was identified as a direct target of esculetin.

Gastric cancer cells shuttle lactate to induce inflammatory CAF-like phenotype and function in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Metabolic reprogramming, exemplified by the "Warburg effect," is a hallmark of human cancers, leading to lactate buildup in tumors. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), key contributors to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), integrate into gastric cancer stroma through interactions with cancer cells. However, the role of lactate in activating BM-MSCs in this context remains unclear. Herein, exogenous lactate induced a pro-tumorigenic phenotype in BM-MSCs, which was blocked by AZD3965. Gastric cancer cells released more lactate under hypoxia than normoxia. While normoxic gastric cancer cells could educate BM-MSCs, hypoxic cells were more effective. However, the effects of the supernatant from gastric cancer cells in both conditions were significantly reduced by AZD3965. Similarly, prevention of lactate production by oxamic acid sodium significantly reduced the effects observed. Lactate-activated BM-MSCs showed NF-κB signaling activation, increased IL-8 secretion, and no change in TGF-β signaling. These activated BM-MSCs promoted gastric cancer cell migration and invasion through IL-8 secretion and enhanced resistance to CD8 + T cell cytotoxicity by upregulating PD-L1. Collectively, gastric cancer cells induce an iCAF-like phenotype and function in BM-MSCs through a lactate shuttle mechanism, emphasizing the role of metabolic reprogramming in cellular communication that fosters a supportive tumor microenvironment. Targeting lactate-related pathways may provide new therapeutic strategies to hinder BM-MSCs' supportive roles in gastric cancer.

Lactic acid metabolism: gynecological cancer's Achilles' heel

Lactic acid is significantly expressed in many cancers, including gynecological cancer, and has become a key regulator of the proliferation, development, metastasis and invasion of these cancers. In clinical and experimental studies, the level of lactic acid in gynecological cancer is closely related to metastasis and invasion, tumor recurrence and poor prognosis. Lactic acid can regulate the internal metabolic pathway of gynecological cancer cells and drive the autonomous role of non-cancer cells in gynecological cancer. In addition to being used as a source of energy metabolism by gynecological cancer cells, lactic acid can also be transported from cancer cells to neighboring cancer cells, stroma and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to further guide metabolic reprogramming. Lactic acid is also involved in promoting inflammation and angiogenesis in gynecologic tumors. Therefore, we reviewed the mechanisms and recent advances in the production and transport of lactic acid in gynecological cancer. These advances and evidence suggest that targeted lactic acid metabolism is a promising cancer treatment.

Multilayer cascade-response nanoplatforms as metabolic symbiotic disruptors to reprogram the immunosuppressive microenvironment

Nanomedicine is extensively utilized in tumor treatment, however, the restricted permeability of nanomaterials within tumor tissues, along with the inherent metabolic complexity of these tissues, have hindered effective control of tumor progression. Hypoxic and normoxic tumor cells utilize monocarboxylic acid transporters (MCTs) for the rapid reutilization of lactate, facilitating accelerated tumor growth. Here, cascade-response nanoplatforms (NPs) with contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUI) capability had been established, incorporating basigin siRNA internally and featuring hyaluronidase (HAase) and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)-responsive lipid coatings externally (GHB NPs). The GHB NPs took advantage of GGT-responsive HAase release to facilitate deep tumor penetration. Furthermore, ultrasound (US) irradiation decreased the expression of glycolysis-related proteins through the modulation of the β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, and US irradiation induced mitochondrial damage, leading to a low-energy state in tumor cells. On this basis, GHB NPs was paired with US stimulation to provide a combination therapy that disturbed tumor cell metabolic symbiosis and remodeled the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This study formulates an effective therapeutic approach for metabolic-immunotherapy, potentially offering a viable candidate for tumor treatment.

The pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of metabolic reprogramming in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a therapeutically recalcitrant genitourinary malignancy, exemplifies the profound interplay between oncogenic signaling and metabolic adaptation. Emerging evidence positions metabolic reprogramming as a central axis of RCC pathogenesis, characterized by dynamic shifts in nutrient utilization that transcend canonical Warburg physiology to encompass lipid anabolism, glutamine auxotrophy, and microenvironment-driven metabolic plasticity. This orchestrated rewiring of cellular energetics sustains tumor proliferation under hypoxia while fostering immunosuppression through metabolite-mediated T cell exhaustion and myeloid-derived suppressor cell activation. Crucially, RCC exhibits metabolic heterogeneity across histological subtypes and intratumoral regions-a feature increasingly recognized as a determinant of therapeutic resistance. Our review systematically deciphers the molecular architecture of RCC metabolism, elucidating how VHL/HIF axis mutations, mTOR pathway dysregulation, and epigenetic modifiers converge to reshape glucose flux, lipid droplet biogenesis, and amino acid catabolism. We present novel insights into spatial metabolic zonation within RCC tumors, where pseudohypoxic niches engage in lactate shuttling and cholesterol efflux to adjacent vasculature, creating pro-angiogenic and immunosuppressive microdomains. Therapeutically, we evaluate first-in-class inhibitors targeting rate-limiting enzymes in de novo lipogenesis and glutamine metabolism, while proposing biomarker-driven strategies to overcome compensatory pathway activation. We highlight the synergy between glutaminase inhibitors and PD-1 blockade in reinvigorating CD8+ T cell function, and the role of lipid-loaded cancer-associated fibroblasts in shielding tumors from ferroptosis. Finally, we outline a translational roadmap integrating multi-omics profiling, functional metabolomics, and spatial biology to match metabolic vulnerabilities with precision therapies.

Circadian immunometabolism: A future insight for targeted therapy in cancer

Circadian rhythms send messages to regulate the sleep-wake cycle in living beings, which, regulate various biological activities. It is well known that altered sleep-wake cycles affect host metabolism and significantly deregulate the host immunity. The dysregulation of circadian-related genes is critical for various malignancies. One of the hallmarks of cancer is altered metabolism, the effects of which spill into surrounding microenvironments. Here, we review the emerging literature linking the circadian immunometabolic axis to cancer. Small metabolites are the products of various metabolic pathways, that are usually perturbed in cancer. Genes that regulate circadian rhythms also regulate host metabolism and control metabolite content in the tumor microenvironment. Immune cell infiltration into the tumor site is critical to perform anticancer functions, and altered metabolite content affects their trafficking to the tumor site. A compromised immune response in the tumor microenvironment aids cancer cell proliferation and immune evasion, resulting in metastases. The role of circadian rhythms in these processes is largely overlooked and demands renewed attention in the search for targets against cancer growth and spread. The precision medicine approach requires targeting the circadian immune metabolism in cancer.

Intranuclear TCA and mitochondrial overload: The nascent sprout of tumors metabolism

Abnormal glucose metabolism in tumors is a well-known form of metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells, the most representative of which, the Warburg effect, has been widely studied and discussed since its discovery. However, contradictions in a large number of studies and suboptimal efficacy of drugs targeting glycolysis have prompted us to further deepen our understanding of glucose metabolism in tumors. Here, we review recent studies on mitochondrial overload, nuclear localization of metabolizing enzymes, and intranuclear TCA (nTCA) in the context of the anomalies produced by inhibition of the Warburg effect. We provide plausible explanations for many of the contradictory points in the existing studies, including the causes of the Warburg effect. Furthermore, we provide a detailed prospective discussion of these studies in the context of these new findings, providing new ideas for the use of nTCA and mitochondrial overload in tumor therapy.

Machine learning-based lactate-related genes signature predicts clinical outcomes and unveils novel therapeutic targets in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a predominant subtype of esophageal cancer, typically presents with poor prognosis. Lactate is a crucial metabolite in cancer and significantly impacts tumor biology. Here, we aimed to construct a lactate-related prognostic signature (LPS) for predicting prognosis in ESCC and uncovering potential therapeutic targets. We designed a computational framework to identify lactate-related genes (LRGs) and applied machine-learning to generate an optimal LPS model from 103 combinations. The LPS was evaluated for its predictive accuracy regarding patient prognosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Analysis also covered genomic and proteomic traits linked to LPS-defined subtypes. The LPS model demonstrated robust and reliable accuracy in predicting survival outcomes in patients with ESCC. Patients with low LPS scores exhibited a more favorable prognosis and an enhanced response to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conversely, patients with high LPS scores exhibited increased sensitivity to BI-2536 and panobinostat. Furthermore, a low LPS score was associated with better prognosis in multiple immunotherapy datasets across cancer types. Genetic amplifications and deletions were detected more frequently in the high-LPS than in the low-LPS group; however, no significant correlation was observed with the tumor mutation burden. Knockdown of GATM, a key LRG, significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferative capacity, and migration and invasion abilities in ESCC cell lines. In conclusion, the LPS score can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with ESCC and facilitate a more precise approach for selecting patients likely to respond to treatment.

A Primer on Proteomic Characterization of Intercellular Communication in a Virus Microenvironment

Intercellular communication is fundamental to multicellular life and a core determinant of outcomes during viral infection, where the common goals of virus and host for persistence and replication are generally at odds. Hosts rely on encoded innate and adaptive immune responses to detect and clear viral pathogens, while viruses can exploit or disrupt these pathways and other intercellular communication processes to enhance their spread and promote pathogenesis. While virus-induced signaling can result in systemic changes to the host, striking alterations are observed within the cellular microenvironment directly surrounding a site of infection, termed the virus microenvironment (VME). Mechanisms employed by viruses to condition their VMEs are emerging and are critical for understanding the biology and pathologies of viral infections. Recent advances in experimental approaches, including proteomic methods, have enabled study of the VME in unprecedented detail. In this review article, we provide a primer on proteomic approaches used to study how viral infections alter intercellular communication, highlighting the ways in which these approaches have been implemented and the exciting biology they have uncovered. First, we consider the different molecules secreted by an infected cell, including proteins, either soluble or contained within extracellular vesicles, and metabolites. We further discuss the modalities of interactions facilitated by alteration at the cell surface of infected cells, including immunopeptide presentation and interactions with the extracellular matrix. Finally, we review spatial profiling approaches that have allowed distinguishing how specific subpopulations of cells within a VME respond to infection and alter their protein composition, discussing valuable insights these methods have offered.

CircArid4b: A novel circular RNA regulating antibacterial response during hypoxic stress via apoptosis in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

The intricate interaction among host, pathogen, and environment significantly influences aquatic health, yet the influence of hypoxic stress combined with bacterial infection on host response is understudied. Circular RNAs with stable closed-loop structures have emerged as important regulators in immunity, yet remain ill-defined in fish. In this study, we systematically explored the circRNA response in yellow catfish subjected to combined hypoxia-bacterial infection (HB) stress. Following HB stress, H&E and TUNEL staining identified heightened hepatocyte apoptosis, intracellular vacuolation, and inflammatory tissue damage. RT-qPCR elucidated that differentially expressed genes stimulated by HB synergistically enhanced apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Importantly, we systematically evaluated differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcirs) in yellow catfish under hypoxia with and without Aeromonas veronii infection and identified a novel HB-specific DEcir, designated as circArid4b, whose parental gene Arid4b is highly associated with apoptosis. Experiments confirmed the circular structure of circArid4b and revealed that under HB stimulation, specific knockdown of circArid4b inhibited the expression of Arid4b, while concurrent alterations in multiple apoptosis- and inflammation-related genes synergistically indicated the promotion of apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. Notably, the downregulation of circArid4b expression significantly reduced the susceptibility to bacterial infection in yellow catfish during hypoxia. These results suggest that HB-induced suppression of circArid4b promotes cell apoptosis and inflammation by inhibiting its parental gene and thereby facilitating resistance to bacterial infection during hypoxia. Our study enriches the understanding of fish circRNA mechanisms and offers novel preventive and control strategies for bacterial infections in fish under hypoxic environments.

The reciprocal effects of autophagy and the Warburg effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: an in vitro study

Autophagy and the Warburg effect are two common pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To date, the reciprocal effects of these pathways have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between these factors in vitro and may provide therapeutic targets in the future. The Mia-Paca-2 and AsPc-1 cell lines were cultured under normal conditions. To achieve autophagy, starvation was induced by Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), whereas autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine (3-MA). The Warburg effect is mimicked by lactic acid, and the Warburg effect is inhibited by oxamate, the main inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase. Cell viability was checked through the MTT assay method. Autophagy was checked via evaluation of Beclin-1 via western blotting. The amount of lactic acid was also measured with a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit. The cells were incubated with different concentrations of 3-MA, lactic acid and oxamate. The viability of AsPc-1 cells decreased, and the IC50 values were 1195 µM, 23.06 mM and 8.617 mM for 3-MA, lactic acid and oxamate, respectively. Similarly, the IC50 values of Mia-Paca-2 were 873.9 µM, 35.9 mM and 26.74 mM for 3-MA, lactic acid and oxamate, respectively. Our data revealed that starvation increased the expression of the autophagy-related protein Beclin-1 (P value < 0.05); however, 3-MA significantly reduced its expression (P value < 0.05). In addition, lactic acid alone did not affect the expression level of Beclin-1 (P value > 0.05), but oxamate treatment increased its expression (P value < 0.05). We also showed that starvation reduced lactic acid levels, but an autophagy inhibitor, 3MA, significantly increased lactic acid production (P value < 0.05). Our findings showed that lactic acid alone has no significant effect on autophagy and that oxamate induces autophagy, possibly because of caloric restriction. On the other hand, autophagy inhibits lactic acid production, whereas the inhibition of autophagy leads to increased lactic acid production.

Alteration of mitochondrial function in arthropods during arboviruses infection: a review of the literature

Arthropods serve as vectors for numerous arboviruses responsible for diseases worldwide. Despite their medical, veterinary, and economic significance, the interaction between arboviruses and arthropods remains poorly understood. Mitochondria in arthropods play a crucial role by supplying energy for cell survival and viral replication. Some arboviruses can replicate within arthropod vectors without harming the host. Successful transmission depends on efficient viral replication in the vector's tissues, ultimately reaching the salivary glands for transmission to a vertebrate host, including humans, via blood-feeding. This review summarizes current knowledge of mitochondrial function in arthropods during arbovirus infection, highlighting gaps compared to studies in mammals and other pathogens relevant to arthropods. It emphasizes mitochondrial processes in insects that require further investigation to uncover the mechanisms underlying arthropod-borne transmission.

Lactate and lactylation in cancer

Accumulated evidence has implicated the diverse and substantial influence of lactate on cellular differentiation and fate regulation in physiological and pathological settings, particularly in intricate conditions such as cancer. Specifically, lactate has been demonstrated to be pivotal in molding the tumor microenvironment (TME) through its effects on different cell populations. Within tumor cells, lactate impacts cell signaling pathways, augments the lactate shuttle process, boosts resistance to oxidative stress, and contributes to lactylation. In various cellular populations, the interplay between lactate and immune cells governs processes such as cell differentiation, immune response, immune surveillance, and treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, communication between lactate and stromal/endothelial cells supports basal membrane (BM) remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Focusing on lactate production and transport, specifically through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), has shown promise in the treatment of cancer. Inhibitors targeting LDH and MCT act as both tumor suppressors and enhancers of immunotherapy, leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect when combined with immunotherapy. The review underscores the importance of lactate in tumor progression and provides valuable perspectives on potential therapeutic approaches that target the vulnerability of lactate metabolism, highlighting the Heel of Achilles for cancer treatment.

Metabolic Objectives and Trade-Offs: Inference and Applications

Background/Objectives: Determining appropriate cellular objectives is crucial for the system-scale modeling of biological networks for metabolic engineering, cellular reprogramming, and drug discovery applications. The mathematical representation of metabolic objectives can describe how cells manage limited resources to achieve biological goals within mechanistic and environmental constraints. While rapidly proliferating cells like tumors are often assumed to prioritize biomass production, mammalian cell types can exhibit objectives beyond growth, such as supporting tissue functions, developmental processes, and redox homeostasis. Methods: This review addresses the challenge of determining metabolic objectives and trade-offs from multiomics data. Results: Recent advances in single-cell omics, metabolic modeling, and machine/deep learning methods have enabled the inference of cellular objectives at both the transcriptomic and metabolic levels, bridging gene expression patterns with metabolic phenotypes. Conclusions: These in silico models provide insights into how cells adapt to changing environments, drug treatments, and genetic manipulations. We further explore the potential application of incorporating cellular objectives into personalized medicine, drug discovery, tissue engineering, and systems biology.

GNA15 induces drug resistance in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by promoting fatty acid oxidation via activation of the AMPK pathway

The prognosis of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is poor, primarily due to drug resistance and relapse. Ga15, encoded by GNA15, belongs to the G protein family, with G protein-coupled receptors playing a crucial role in multiple biological process. GNA15 has been reported to be involved in various malignancies; however, its potential role in B-ALL remain unknown. In this study, high expression of GNA15 in B-ALL was observed in multiple databases. We further confirmed an increased transcriptional level of GNA15 in newly diagnosed B-ALL patients which was closely correlated with relapse. We showed that GNA15 promoted cell growth, inhibited apoptosis and enhanced drug resistance in leukemia cell lines. Metabolomics analysis revealed a significant enrichment of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) according to the GNA15 expression. We further confirmed that GNA15 could enhance FAO process as evidenced by the upregulation of key molecules involved in FAO including carnitine palmitoyl transferase1 (CPT1), CPT2 and CD36. And inhibition of FAO using etomoxir partially reversed the drug resistance caused by high expression of GNA15. Mechanism study showed that GNA15 promoted FAO by up-regulation of AMPK phosphorylation thus leading to survival advantage in leukemia cells. In conclusion, we observed elevated GNA15 transcript levels in B-ALL, which were associated with relapse. GNA15 could induce drug resistance though activation of the AMPK/FAO axis in leukemia cell lines. Targeting GNA15 and FAO may represent potential therapeutic strategy for improving the prognosis of B-ALL.

Functionalized Microsphere Platform Combining Nutrient Restriction and Combination Therapy to Combat Bacterial Infections

The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections has emerged as a critical global health crisis, undermining the efficacy of conventional antibiotic therapies. This pressing challenge necessitates the development of innovative strategies to combat MDR pathogens. Advances in multifunctional drug delivery systems offer promising solutions to reduce or eradicate MDR bacteria. Inspired by the fact that the growth of bacteria requires essential nutrients, core-shell porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres coated with pH-responsive polydopamine (PDA) were fabricated to improve delivery, resulting in enhanced efficacy through nutrient restriction and combination therapy. The PDA chelates iron ions in the environment, preventing bacteria from absorbing iron and thus suppressing their growth and proliferation. Subsequently, the released antibiotics from the porous PLGA core, rifampicin and polymyxin B, accelerate bacterial eradication by disrupting their inner and outer membrane structures. Such a multifunctional microsphere platform clears 99% Salmonella Typhimurium in 4 h and shows increased efficiency in a lethal intestinal infection model in mice. These findings provide a drug delivery system that integrates bacterial nutrient restriction and antibiotic killing, highlighting the potential of targeting bacterial iron regulation as a strategy for developing new antimicrobial delivery systems to address MDR bacterial infections.

Giant Primary Cutaneous Nodular Melanoma of the Forehead: A Case Report

Background: The incidence of melanoma is increasing globally. The estimated worldwide incidence is projected to increase from 324,635 cases in 2020 to 510,000 in 2040. In the UK, melanoma accounts for 4% of all new cases of cancer. Melanomas occurring in the skin of the head and neck represent 13% and 23% of cases in women and men, respectively. Prognostic indicators include presence of nodal or distant metastasis, ulceration, and Breslow thickness, where >4 mm thickness predicts poorest overall survival rates. Giant melanomas, a term generally applied to melanomas larger than 5-10 cm, are rare and often have a very poor prognosis. Clinical case: An 82-year-old female presented acutely with a 2-3-day history of delirium and urinary retention in February 2022. In addition, she was noted to have a large fungating growth on her forehead that obscured the bridge of the nose and had been slowly increasing in size for the past year prior to admission. She had initially presented in primary care with a small growth on her forehead but declined further investigations for fear of contracting COVID-19. She consented to having further assessment and management of the forehead mass. A shave biopsy revealed giant nodular melanoma, specifically, the largest melanoma of the face reported in the literature. Remarkably, our patient underwent a successful complete excision and skin grafting, with no evidence of recurrence or distal metastasis after 2 years of follow up. Conclusions: This case highlights the anxieties people felt about contracting COVID-19 when national guidelines recommended shielding that had resulted in further morbidity. Despite poor prognostic factors, clinically and histologically, our patient did not need any systemic anticancer therapy nor radiotherapy. She was well after 2 years follow up without any signs of recurrence.

Optogenetic screening of MCT1 activity implicates a cluster of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as inhibitors of lactate transport

Lactate transport plays a crucial role in the metabolism, microenvironment, and survival of cancer cells. However, current drugs targeting either MCT1 or MCT4, which traditionally mediate lactate import or efflux respectively, show limited efficacy beyond in vitro models. This limitation partly arises from the existence of both isoforms in certain tumors, however existing high-affinity MCT1/4 inhibitors are years away from human testing. Therefore, we conducted an optogenetic drug screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae on a subset of the FDA-approved drug library to identify existing scaffolds that could be repurposed as monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitors. Our findings show that several existing drug classes inhibit MCT1 activity, including non-steroidal estrogens, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and natural products (in total representing approximately 1% of the total library, 78 out of 6400), with a moderate affinity (IC50 1.8-21 μM). Given the well-tolerated nature of NSAIDs, and their known anticancer properties associated with COX inhibition, we chose to further investigate their MCT1 inhibition profile. The majority of NSAIDs in our screen cluster into a single large structural grouping. Moreover, this group is predominantly comprised of FDA-approved NSAIDs, with seven exhibiting moderate MCT1 inhibition. Since these molecules form a distinct structural cluster with known NSAID MCT4 inhibitors, such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, and indomethacin, we hypothesize that these newly identified inhibitors may also inhibit both transporters. Consequently, NSAIDs as a class, and piroxicam specifically (IC50 4.4 μM), demonstrate MCT1 inhibition at theoretically relevant human dosages, suggesting immediate potential for standalone MCT inhibition or combined anticancer therapy.

Allergenicity Reduction of Bovine β-Lactoglobulin Binding to Lactic Acid by Masking Epitopes with Lactylation

Lactic acid, an important organic acid, commonly exists in a variety of foods. During food processing, lactic acid may undergo dehydration and condensation with proteins. This study investigated the effect of lactylation on the sensitization of bovine β-lactoglobulin during food processing. First, we screened 19 lactylation sites on β-lactoglobulin through mass spectrometry. Comparing the specific IgE/IgG epitopes of β-lactoglobulin, we found that lactylation masks it. At the same time, the structure of β-lactoglobulin is destroyed after binding to lactic acid. Animal experiment results show that the levels of antibodies (IgE and IgG1) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) in vivo induced by lactated β-lactoglobulin are significantly reduced. All results indicate that the allergenicity of β-lactoglobulin is reduced after lactylation. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the reduction of β-lactoglobulin allergenicity by lactylation and lays a solid foundation for the application of lactylation in hypoallergenic foods.

BHLHE40-mediated transcriptional activation of GRIN2D in gastric cancer is involved in metabolic reprogramming

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. The reprogramming of energy metabolism represents a hallmark of cancer, particularly amplified dependence on aerobic glycolysis. Here, we aimed to illustrate the functional role of glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate type subunit 2D (GRIN2D) in the regulation of glycolysis in GC and the mechanisms involved. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed using the GEO and GEPIA databases, followed by prognostic value prediction using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. The effect of GRIN2D knockdown on the malignant behavior and glycolysis of GC cells was explored. GRIN2D expression was upregulated in GC cells and promoted the malignant behavior of GC cells by activating glycolysis. Class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 40 (BHLHE40) was overexpressed in GC cells and mediated transcriptional activation of GRIN2D. The anti-tumor effects of BHLHE40 knockdown on GC cells in vitro and in vivo were reversed by GRIN2D overexpression. Knockdown of GRIN2D or BHLHE40 downregulated the expression of mRNA of electron transport chain subunits and phosphorylation of p38 MARK and inhibited calcium efflux in GC cells. Overexpression of GRIN2D promoted calcium efflux, phosphorylation of p38 MARK protein, and proliferation of GES1 cells. Altogether, the findings derived from this study suggest that BHLHE40 knockdown suppresses the growth, mobility, and glycolysis of GC cells by inhibiting GRIN2D transcription and disrupting the BHLHE40/GRIN2D axis may be an attractive therapeutic strategy for GC.

Knockdown of SLC16A3 decreases extracellular lactate concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma, alleviates hypoxia and induces ferroptosis

SLC16A3/monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) regulates intracellular lactate transport and is highly expressed in many tumors, indicating poor prognosis. It may be related to inducing hypoxia, apoptosis and other mechanisms, but the study of MCT4 in HCC is far from complete. In this study, we first analyzed the expression of SLC16A3 in HCC tumor and non-tumor tissue samples based on TCGA data and immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, the effects of SLC16A3 expression on cell proliferation and invasion were analyzed using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lines, and Western blot (WB) analysis was performed to explore the changes in pathway proteins and ferroptosis proteins. Finally, the drug sensitivity was tested by CCK8 kit. We found that SLC16A3 was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, and was significantly correlated with TNM stage, histological grade, and macrovascular invasion. TCGA data and WB analysis showed that the high expression of SLC16A3 induced hypoxia, and knockdown could reverse hypoxia and inhibit ERK phosphorylation, thus limiting the malignant behavior of HCC cells. Moreover, knockdown of SLC16A3 significantly increased the level of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while the expressions of GPX4, DHODH and SLC7A11 were inhibited. The expression of SLC16A3 affected the sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy and targeted drugs, and RNA sequencing data suggested that the expression level influenced tumor microenvironment and response to immunotherapy. So, we draw a conclude that SLC16A3 is associated with poor prognosis of HCC. Inhibition of SLC16A3 expression is a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Energy metabolism: from physiological changes to targets in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by a variety of dysregulated responses to host infection with life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction. Among the injuries or dysfunctions involved in the course of sepsis, cardiac injury and dysfunction often occur and are associated with the pathogenesis of hemodynamic disturbances, also defined as sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC). The process of myocardial metabolism is tightly regulated and adapts to various cardiac output demands. The heart is a metabolically flexible organ capable of utilizing all classes of energy substrates, including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and ketone bodies, to produce ATP. The demand of cardiac cells for energy metabolism changes substantially in septic cardiomyopathy, with distinct etiological causes and different times. This review describes changes in cardiomyocyte energy metabolism under normal physiological conditions and some features of myocardial energy metabolism in septic cardiomyopathy and briefly outlines the role of the mitochondria as a center of energy metabolism in the septic myocardium, revealing that changes in energy metabolism can serve as a potential future therapy for infectious cardiomyopathy.

The interplay of EBV virus and cell metabolism in lung cancer

Epstein-Barr virus infection has been implicated in various cancers, including lung cancer, where it influences cellular metabolism to promote tumorigenesis. This review examines the complex interplay between Epstein-Barr virus and cell metabolism in lung cancer, highlighting viral mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming and their implications for therapeutic strategies. Key viral proteins such as LMP1 and LMP2A manipulate glycolysis, glutaminolysis and lipid metabolism to support viral replication and immune evasion within the tumour microenvironment. Understanding these interactions provides insights into novel therapeutic approaches targeting viral-induced metabolic vulnerabilities in Epstein-Barr virus-associated lung cancer.

Central role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells: A review

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the characteristics of tumor cell metabolism. In tumor cells, there are multiple metabolic enzymes and membrane proteins to regulate metabolic reprogramming, and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can be regulated in transcription, translation, posttranslational modification and other aspects through multiple pathways, and HIF-1α affects multiple metabolic enzymes and membrane proteins during metabolic reprogramming, thus playing a central role in the metabolic reprogramming process, and thus has some implications for tumor therapy and understanding chemotherapy drug resistance. HIF-1α affects a number of metabolic enzymes and membrane proteins in the metabolic reprogramming process, thus playing a central role in the metabolic reprogramming process, which has certain significance for the treatment of tumors and the understanding of chemotherapeutic drug resistance. In this paper, we review the central role of HIF-1α in metabolic reprogramming, chemotherapeutic agents targeting HIF-1α, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance.

MTFR2 accelerates hepatocellular carcinoma mediated by metabolic reprogramming via the Akt signaling pathway

Metabolic reprogramming has recently been identified as a hallmark of malignancies. The shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) meets the demands of rapid cell growth and provides a microenvironment for tumor progression. This study sought to uncover the function and mechanism of MTFR2 in the metabolic reprogramming of HCC. Elevated MTFR2 expression was associated with poor patient prognosis. Downregulation of MTFR2 blocked malignant behaviors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and glycolysis in HCC cells. Nuclear transcription factor Y subunit gamma (NFYC) was also associated with poor patient prognosis, and NFYC bound to the promoter of MTFR2 to activate transcription and promote Akt signaling. The repressive effects of NFYC knockdown on EMT and glycolysis in HCC cells were compromised by MTFR2 overexpression, elicited through the activation of the Akt signaling. Knockdown of NFYC slowed the growth and intrahepatic metastasis in vivo, which was reversed by MTFR2 overexpression. In conclusion, our work shows that activation of MTFR2 by the transcription factor NFYC promotes Akt signaling, thereby potentiating metabolic reprogramming in HCC development. Targeting the NFYC/MTFR2/Akt axis may represent a therapeutic strategy for HCC.

SARS-CoV-2 uses Spike glycoprotein to control the host's anaerobic metabolism by inhibiting LDHB

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, responsible for approximately 7 million deaths worldwide, highlights the urgent need to understand the molecular mechanisms of the virus in order to prevent future outbreaks. The Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, which is critical for viral entry through its interaction with ACE2 and other host cell receptors, has been a focus of this study. The present research goes beyond receptor recognition to explore Spike's influence on cellular metabolism. AP-MS interactome analysis revealed an interaction between the Spike S1 domain and lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), which was further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, indicating colocalisation in cells expressing the S1 domain. The study showed that Spike inhibits the catalytic activity of LDHB, leading to increased lactate levels in HEK-293T cells overexpressing the S1 subunit. In the hypothesised mechanism, Spike deprives LDHB of NAD+, facilitating a metabolic switch from aerobic to anaerobic energy production during infection. The Spike-NAD+ interacting region was characterised and mainly involves the W436 within the RDB domain. This novel hypothesis suggests that the Spike protein may play a broader role in altering host cell metabolism, thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of viral infection.

PRMT6 Epigenetically Drives Metabolic Switch from Fatty Acid Oxidation toward Glycolysis and Promotes Osteoclast Differentiation During Osteoporosis

Epigenetic regulation of metabolism profoundly influences cell fate commitment. During osteoclast differentiation, the activation of RANK signaling is accompanied by metabolic reprogramming, but the epigenetic mechanisms by which RANK signaling induces this reprogramming remain elusive. By transcriptional sequence and ATAC analysis, this study identifies that activation of RANK signaling upregulates PRMT6 by epigenetic modification, triggering a metabolic switching from fatty acids oxidation toward glycolysis. Conversely, Prmt6 deficiency reverses this shift, markedly reducing HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Consequently, PRMT6 deficiency or inhibitor impedes osteoclast differentiation and alleviates bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. At the molecular level, Prmt6 deficiency reduces asymmetric dimethylation of H3R2 at the promoters of genes including Ppard, Acox3, and Cpt1a, enhancing genomic accessibility for fatty acid oxidation. PRMT6 thus emerges as a metabolic checkpoint, mediating metabolic switch from fatty acid oxidation to glycolysis, thereby supporting osteoclastogenesis. Unveiling PRMT6's critical role in epigenetically orchestrating metabolic shifts in osteoclastogenesis offers a promising target for anti-resorptive therapy.

BRAFV600E/p-ERK/p-DRP1(Ser616) Promotes Tumor Progression and Reprogramming of Glucose Metabolism in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with the BRAFV600E mutation is associated with a poorer prognosis. BRAF inhibitors may demonstrate limited efficacy due to emerging drug resistance. The Warburg effect may have cancer therapeutic implications. It is not known if the BRAFV600E mutation is associated with altered glucose metabolism in PTC. Methods: This study examined the effect of BRAFV600E and dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) on various cellular processes in PTC cells, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, mitochondrial fission, glucose metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis. We used RT-qPCR to assess the expression of key glycolytic enzymes in thyroid cancer tissues. Additionally, the regulatory interaction between BRAFV600E and DRP1 was investigated through Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. We further evaluated the impact of DRP1 in PTC and the inhibitory effects of dabrafenib and 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) in vitro and in vivo. Results: We found that the BRAFV600E mutation significantly augments aerobic glycolysis while suppressing oxidative phosphorylation in PTC. We identified the BRAFV600E/p-ERK/p-DRP1(Ser616) signaling pathway as a critical mediator in PTC progression. First, the BRAFV600E/p-ERK/p-DRP1(Ser616) signaling pathway enhances cell proliferation by upregulating hexokinase 2 expression and thereby increasing aerobic glycolysis. Second, it inhibits apoptosis by promoting mitochondrial fission and reducing ROS levels. Moreover, we demonstrated that the combination therapy of 2-DG and dabrafenib markedly impedes the progression of BRAFV600E-positive PTC. Conclusion: The BRAFV600E/p-ERK/p-DRP1(Ser616) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in glucose metabolism reprogramming, contributing to the aggressiveness and progression of BRAFV600E-positive PTC. Our findings suggest that a combined therapeutic approach using 2-DG and dabrafenib has the potential to improve the outcome of PTC patients with BRAFV600E.

Prognostic Analysis of Lactic Acid Metabolism Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumour in the oral and maxillofacial region. Lactic acid accumulation in the tumour microenvironment (TME) has gained attention for its dual role as an energy source for cancer cells and an activator of signalling pathways crucial to tumour progression. This study aims to reveal the impact of lactate-related genes (LRGs) on the prognosis, TME, and immune characteristics of OSCC, with the ultimate goal of developing a novel prognostic model.

METHODS

Unsupervised clustering analysis of LRGs in OSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was conducted to evaluate and compare TME, immune features, and clinical characteristics across various lactate subtypes. A refined prognostic model was developed through the application of Cox and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression techniques. External validation sets were then utilised to improve model accuracy, along with a detailed correlation analysis of drug sensitivity.

RESULTS

The Cancer Genome Atlas-OSCC patients were categorised into 4 distinct lactate subtypes based on LRGs. Notably, patients in subtype 1 and subtype 2 exhibited the least and most favourable prognoses, respectively. Subtype 1 patients showed elevated expression levels of immune checkpoint genes. Further analysis identified 1086 genes with significant expression differences between cancer and noncancer tissues, as well as between subtype 1 and subtype 2 patients. Selected genes for the prognostic model included ZNF662, CGNL1, VWCE, and ZFP42. The high-risk group defined by this model had a significantly poorer prognosis (P < .0001) and functioned as an independent prognostic factor (P < .001), accurately predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Additionally, individuals in the high-risk category exhibited heightened sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs such as AZ6102 and Venetoclax.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive model based on the genes ZNF662, CGNL1, VWCE, and ZFP42 can serve as a reliable biomarker, providing accurate prognostic predictions for OSCC patients and potential opportunities for pharmaceutical interventions.

TRMT10C-mediated m7G modification of circFAM126A inhibits lung cancer growth by regulating cellular glycolysis

The N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the development of lung cancer. However, the m7G modification of circRNAs has not been fully elucidated. This study revealed the presence of the m7G modification in circFAM126A. We propose the novel hypothesis that the methyltransferase TRMT10C mediates the m7G modification of circFAM126A and that the stability of m7G-modified circFAM126A is reduced. circFAM126A is downregulated in lung cancer and significantly inhibits lung cancer growth both in vitro and in vivo. The expression of circFAM126A correlates with the stage of lung cancer and with the tumour diameter, and circFAM126A can be used as a potential molecular target for lung cancer. The molecular mechanism by which circFAM126A increases HSP90 ubiquitination and suppresses AKT1 expression to regulate cellular glycolysis, ultimately inhibiting the progression of lung cancer, is elucidated. This study not only broadens the knowledge regarding the expression and regulatory mode of circRNAs but also provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate tumour cell metabolism and affect tumour cell fate from an epigenetic perspective. These findings will facilitate the development of new strategies for lung cancer prevention and treatment.

The OGT-c-Myc-PDK2 axis rewires the TCA cycle and promotes colorectal tumor growth

Deregulated glucose metabolism termed the "Warburg effect" is a fundamental feature of cancers, including the colorectal cancer. This is typically characterized with an increased rate of glycolysis, and a concomitant reduced rate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolism as compared to the normal cells. How the TCA cycle is manipulated in cancer cells remains unknown. Here, we show that O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) regulates the TCA cycle in colorectal cancer cells. Depletion of OGT, the sole transferase of O-GlcNAc, significantly increases the TCA cycle metabolism in colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, OGT-catalyzed O-GlcNAc modification of c-Myc at serine 415 (S415) increases c-Myc stability, which transcriptionally upregulates the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2). PDK2 phosphorylates pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) to inhibit the activity of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which reduces mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism, suppresses reactive oxygen species production, and promotes xenograft tumor growth. Furthermore, c-Myc S415 glycosylation levels positively correlate with PDK2 expression levels in clinical colorectal tumor tissues. This study highlights the OGT-c-Myc-PDK2 axis as a key mechanism linking oncoprotein activation with deregulated glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer.

Rhodiolin inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway via the glycolytic enzyme GPI in human papillary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an endocrine malignant tumor of the head and neck. Surgery and chemotherapy are PTC treatments, but have adverse effects. Exploration of new non-toxic anti-PTC drugs for PTC treatment is an unmet need.

METHODS

We aimed to identify anti-PTC drugs that could inhibit PTC-cell proliferation through high-throughput screening of a library of well-characterized naturally occurring small-molecule compounds. Then, the anti-PTC function of rhodiolin was validated by in vitro cell models and xenograft tumor models RESULTS: We initially demonstrated that rhodiolin inhibited the growth and induced the apoptosis of PTC cells significantly in vitro and in vivo. At the metabolic level, rhodiolin blocked glycolysis through glucose 6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), which suggested that glycolytic inhibition may be involved in mediating the anti-PTC function of rhodiolin. Transcriptomics analysis combined with bioinformatics analysis identified rhodiolin treatment to inhibit phosphorylation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that rhodiolin inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of PTC cells by blocking glycolysis through the glycolytic enzyme GPI, thereby inhibiting phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the potential use of rhodiolin in inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of PTC cells. Inhibition of phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway mediated by GPI plays an extremely important part in the ant-PTC function of rhodiolin. These results suggest that rhodiolin is a promising drug in the treatment of PTC progression. Our results provide a novel target and cell signaling pathway for PTC therapy from the perspective of energy metabolism, which could provide new perspectives and new drug choices for PTC therapy. In addition to that, our study will help to make up for the lack of drug research for PTC.

CD4 + T cells recruit, then engage macrophages in cognate interactions to clear Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the lungs

IFN-γ-producing CD4 + T cells are required for protection against lethal Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ) infections. However, the ability of CD4 + T cells to suppress Mtb growth cannot be fully explained by IFN-γ or other known T cell products. In this study, we show that CD4 + T cell-derived IFN-γ promoted the recruitment of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) to the lungs of Mtb -infected mice. Although the recruited MDMs became quickly and preferentially infected with Mtb , CD4 + T cells rapidly disinfected the MDMs. Clearance of Mtb from MDMs was not explained by IFN-γ, but rather by MHCII-mediated cognate interactions with CD4 + T cells. These interactions promoted MDM expression of glycolysis genes essential for Mtb control. Thus, by recruiting MDMs, CD4 + T cells initiate a cycle of bacterial phagocytosis, Mtb antigen presentation and disinfection in an attempt to clear the bacteria from the lungs.

Revisiting Solar Energy Flow in Nanomaterial-Microorganism Hybrid Systems

Nanomaterial-microorganism hybrid systems (NMHSs), integrating semiconductor nanomaterials with microorganisms, present a promising platform for broadband solar energy harvesting, high-efficiency carbon reduction, and sustainable chemical production. While studies underscore its potential in diverse solar-to-chemical energy conversions, prevailing NMHSs grapple with suboptimal energy conversion efficiency. Such limitations stem predominantly from an insufficient systematic exploration of the mechanisms dictating solar energy flow. This review provides a systematic overview of the notable advancements in this nascent field, with a particular focus on the discussion of three pivotal steps of energy flow: solar energy capture, cross-membrane energy transport, and energy conversion into chemicals. While key challenges faced in each stage are independently identified and discussed, viable solutions are correspondingly postulated. In view of the interplay of the three steps in affecting the overall efficiency of solar-to-chemical energy conversion, subsequent discussions thus take an integrative and systematic viewpoint to comprehend, analyze and improve the solar energy flow in the current NMHSs of different configurations, and highlighting the contemporary techniques that can be employed to investigate various aspects of energy flow within NMHSs. Finally, a concluding section summarizes opportunities for future research, providing a roadmap for the continued development and optimization of NMHSs.

GPR65 contributes to constructing immunosuppressive microenvironment in glioma

Glioma, especially glioblastoma patients, present highly heterogeneous and immunosuppressive microenvironment, leading to their poor response to treatment and survival. Targeting the tumor microenvironment is considered a promising therapeutic strategy. M2 macrophages are highly infiltrated in glioma tissue, even up to 50% of the total number of bulk tissue cells. Here, we identified GPR65 as the hub gene of the M2 macrophage-related module in glioma through WGCNA analysis. The expression and prognosis analysis suggested that GPR65 was positively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma, and the heterogeneity analysis found that GPR65 was highly expressed in the vascular proliferation area of glioma, which matched the spatial expression characteristics of M2 macrophages. We further verified that GPR65 was highly expressed in macrophages but not tumor cells in the glioma microenvironment by single-cell data analysis and immunofluorescence. Most importantly, we found that inhibition of GPR65 was sufficient to reduce macrophages' polarization response to glioma cell and break the malignant cooperation with glioma cells. Our study reports the expression characteristics and malignant behavior of GPR65 in the glioma microenvironment, which provides a new alternative target of treatment to glioma microenvironment.

Melatonin Rescues Influenza A Virus-Induced Cellular Energy Exhaustion via OMA1-OPA1-S in Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Although rapid progression and a poor prognosis in influenza A virus (IAV) infection-induced acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are frequently associated with metabolic energy disorders, the underlying mechanisms and rescue strategies remain unknown. We herein demonstrated that the level of resting energy expenditure increased significantly in IAV-induced AECOPD patients and that cellular energy exhaustion emerged earlier and more significantly in IAV-infected primary COPD bronchial epithelial (pDHBE) cells. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway; additionally, we consistently uncovered much earlier ATP exhaustion, more severe mitochondrial structural destruction and dysfunction, and OXPHOS impairment in IAV-inoculated pDHBE cells, and these changes were rescued by melatonin. The level of OMA1-dependent cleavage of OPA1 in the mitochondrial inner membrane and the shift in energy metabolism from OXPHOS to glycolysis were significantly increased in IAV-infected pDHBE cells; however, these changes were rescued by OMA1-siRNA or melatonin further treatment. Collectively, our data revealed that melatonin rescued IAV-induced cellular energy exhaustion via OMA1-OPA1-S to improve the clinical prognosis in COPD. This treatment may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for patients in which AECOPD is induced by IAV.

Metabolic profiling and combined therapeutic strategies unveil the cytotoxic potential of selenium-chrysin (SeChry) in NSCLC cells

Lung cancer ranks as the predominant cause of cancer-related mortalities on a global scale. Despite progress in therapeutic interventions, encompassing surgical procedures, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, the overall prognosis remains unfavorable. Imbalances in redox equilibrium and disrupted redox signaling, common traits in tumors, play crucial roles in malignant progression and treatment resistance. Cancer cells, often characterized by persistent high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from genetic, metabolic, and microenvironmental alterations, counterbalance this by enhancing their antioxidant capacity. Cysteine availability emerges as a critical factor in chemoresistance, shaping the survival dynamics of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Selenium-chrysin (SeChry) was disclosed as a modulator of cysteine intracellular availability. This study comprehensively characterizes the metabolism of SeChry and investigates its cytotoxic effects in NSCLC. SeChry treatment induces notable metabolic shifts, particularly in selenocompound metabolism, impacting crucial pathways such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and amino acid metabolism. Additionally, SeChry affects the levels of key metabolites such as acetate, lactate, glucose, and amino acids, contributing to disruptions in redox homeostasis and cellular biosynthesis. The combination of SeChry with other treatments, such as glycolysis inhibition and chemotherapy, results in greater efficacy. Furthermore, by exploiting NSCLC's capacity to consume lactate, the use of lactic acid-conjugated dendrimer nanoparticles for SeChry delivery is investigated, showing specificity to cancer cells expressing monocarboxylate transporters.

ScHGSC-IGDC: Identifying genes with differential correlations of high-grade serous ovarian cancer based on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis

Due to the high heterogeneity of ovarian cancer (OC), it occupies the main cause of cancer-related death among women. As the most aggressive and frequent subtype of OC, high-grade serous cancer (HGSC) represents around 70 % of all patients. With the booming progress of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), unique and subtle changes among different cell states have been identified including novel risk genes and pathways. Here, our present study aims to identify differentially correlated core genes between normal and tumor status through HGSC scRNA-seq data analysis. R package high-dimension Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (hdWGCNA) was implemented for building gene interaction networks based on HGSC scRNA-seq data. DiffCorr was integrated for identifying differentially correlated genes between tumor and their adjacent normal counterparts. Software Cytoscape was implemented for constructing and visualizing biological networks. Real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) was utilized to confirm expression pattern of new genes. We introduced ScHGSC-IGDC (Identifying Genes with Differential Correlations of HGSC based on scRNA-seq analysis), an in silico framework for identifying core genes in the development of HGSC. We detected thirty-four modules in the network. Scores of new genes with opposite correlations with others such as NDUFS5, TMSB4X, SERPINE2 and ITPR2 were identified. Further survival and literature validation emphasized their great values in the HGSC management. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR verified expression pattern of NDUFS5, TMSB4X, SERPINE2 and ITPR2 in human OC cell lines and tissues. Our research offered novel perspectives on the gene modulatory mechanisms from single cell resolution, guiding network based algorithms in cancer etiology field.

Unravelling the metabolic landscape of cutaneous melanoma: Insights from single-cell sequencing analysis and machine learning for prognostic assessment of lactate metabolism

This manuscript presents a comprehensive investigation into the role of lactate metabolism-related genes as potential prognostic markers in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Bulk-transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE19234, GSE22153, and GSE65904 cohorts from GEO database were processed and harmonized to mitigate batch effects. Lactate metabolism scores were assigned to individual cells using the 'AUCell' package. Weighted Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify gene modules correlated with lactate metabolism. Machine learning algorithms were applied to construct a prognostic model, and its performance was evaluated in multiple cohorts. Immune correlation, mutation analysis, and enrichment analysis were conducted to further characterize the prognostic model's biological implications. Finally, the function of key gene NDUFS7 was verified by cell experiments. Machine learning resulted in an optimal prognostic model, demonstrating significant prognostic value across various cohorts. In the different cohorts, the high-risk group showed a poor prognosis. Immune analysis indicated differences in immune cell infiltration and checkpoint gene expression between risk groups. Mutation analysis identified genes with high mutation loads in SKCM. Enrichment analysis unveiled enriched pathways and biological processes in high-risk SKCM patients. NDUFS7 was found to be a hub gene in the protein-protein interaction network. After the expression of NDUFS7 was reduced by siRNA knockdown, CCK-8, colony formation, transwell and wound healing tests showed that the activity, proliferation and migration of A375 and WM115 cell lines were significantly decreased. This study offers insights into the prognostic significance of lactate metabolism-related genes in SKCM.

The role of intratumoral microorganisms in the progression and immunotherapeutic efficacy of head and neck cancer

The effectiveness of cancer immunization is largely dependent on the tumor’s microenvironment, especially the tumor immune microenvironment. Emerging studies say microbes exist in tumor cells and immune cells, suggesting that these microbes can affect the state of the immune microenvironment of the tumor. Our comprehensive review navigates the intricate nexus between intratumoral microorganisms and their role in tumor biology and immune modulation. Beginning with an exploration of the historical acknowledgment of microorganisms within tumors, the article underscores the evolution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its subsequent implications. Using findings from recent studies, we delve into the unique bacterial compositions across different tumor types and their influence on tumor growth, DNA damage, and immune regulation. Furthermore, we illuminate the potential therapeutic implications of targeting these intratumoral microorganisms, emphasizing their multifaceted roles from drug delivery agents to immunotherapy enhancers. As advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology redefine our understanding of the tumor microbiome, the article underscores the importance of discerning their precise role in tumor progression and tailoring therapeutic interventions. The review culminates by emphasizing ongoing challenges and the pressing need for further research to harness the potential of intratumoral microorganisms in cancer care.

NAC1 transcriptional activation of LDHA induces hepatitis B virus immune evasion leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development

Our study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NAC1 (nucleus accumbens associated 1) transcriptional regulation of LDHA and its role in HBV immune evasion, thus contributing to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Utilizing public datasets, we performed differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on HBV-induced cirrhosis/HCC data. We identified candidate genes by intersecting differentially expressed genes with co-expression modules. We validated these genes using the TCGA database, conducting survival analysis to pinpoint key genes affecting HBV-HCC prognosis. We also employed the TIMER database for immune cell infiltration data and analyzed correlations with identified key genes to uncover potential immune escape pathways. In vitro, we investigated the impact of NAC1 and LDHA on immune cell apoptosis and HBV immune evasion. In vivo, we confirmed these findings using an HBV-induced cirrhosis model. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 676 genes influenced by HBV infection, with 475 genes showing differential expression in HBV-HCC. NAC1 emerged as a key gene, potentially mediating HBV immune escape through LDHA transcriptional regulation. Experimental data demonstrated that NAC1 transcriptionally activates LDHA, promoting immune cell apoptosis and HBV immune evasion. Animal studies confirmed these findings, linking NAC1-mediated LDHA activation to cirrhosis and HCC development. NAC1, highly expressed in HBV-infected liver cells, likely drives HBV immune escape by activating LDHA expression, inhibiting CD8 + T cells, and promoting cirrhosis and HCC development.

Arecoline promotes Akt-c-Myc-driven aerobic glycolysis in esophageal epithelial cells

Aerobic glycolysis is a typical metabolic rearrangement for tumorigenesis. Arecoline is of explicit carcinogenicity, numerous works demonstrate its mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. However, the effects of arecoline on aerobic glycolysis of esophageal epithelial cells remain unclear. In the present study, 5 μM arecoline efficiently increased HK2 expression to induce aerobic glycolysis in Het-1A-Are and NE2-Are cells. The mechanistic analysis showed that arecoline activated the Akt-c-Myc signaling pathway and reduced the GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of c-Myc on Thr58 to prevent its ubiquitination and destruction, subsequently promoting HK2 transcription and expression. Taken together, these results suggest that arecoline can induce aerobic glycolysis of esophageal epithelial cells and further confirm that arecoline is a carcinogen harmful to human health.

Enteric coronavirus PDCoV evokes a non-Warburg effect by hijacking pyruvic acid as a metabolic hub

The Warburg effect, also referred as aerobic glycolysis, is a common metabolic program during viral infection. Through targeted metabolomics combined with biochemical experiments and various cell models, we investigated the central carbon metabolism (CCM) profiles of cells infected with porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an emerging enteropathogenic coronavirus with zoonotic potential. We found that PDCoV infection required glycolysis but decreased glycolytic flux, exhibiting a non-Warburg effect characterized by pyruvic acid accumulation. Mechanistically, PDCoV enhanced pyruvate kinase activity to promote pyruvic acid anabolism, a process that generates pyruvic acid with concomitant ATP production. PDCoV also hijacked pyruvic acid catabolism to increase biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids (NEAAs), suggesting that pyruvic acid is an essential hub for PDCoV to scavenge host energy and metabolites. Furthermore, PDCoV facilitated glutaminolysis to promote the synthesis of NEAA and pyrimidines for optimal proliferation. Our work supports a novel CCM model after viral infection and provides potential anti-PDCoV drug targets.

HERC5 downregulation in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with altered energy metabolism and metastasis

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We previously showed that low HERC5 expression predicts early tumor dissemination and a dismal prognosis in NSCLC patients. Here, we performed functional studies to unravel the mechanism underlying the "metastasis-suppressor" effect of HERC5, with a focus on mitochondrial metabolism pathways.

METHODS

We assessed cell proliferation, colony formation potential, anchorage-independent growth, migration, and wound healing in NSCLC cell line models with HERC5 overexpression (OE) or knockout (KO). To study early tumor cell dissemination, we used these cell line models in zebrafish experiments and performed intracardial injections in nude mice. Mass spectrometry (MS) was used to analyze protein changes in whole-cell extracts. Furthermore, electron microscopy (EM) imaging, cellular respiration, glycolytic activity, and lactate production were used to investigate the relationships with mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways.

RESULTS

Using different in vitro NSCLC cell line models, we showed that NSCLC cells with low HERC5 expression had increased malignant and invasive properties. Furthermore, two different in vivo models in zebrafish and a xenograft mouse model showed increased dissemination and metastasis formation (in particular in the brain). Functional enrichment clustering of MS data revealed an increase in mitochondrial proteins in vitro when HERC5 levels were high. Loss of HERC5 leads to an increased Warburg effect, leading to improved adaptation and survival under prolonged inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results indicate that low HERC5 expression increases the metastatic potential of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HERC5-induced proteomic changes influence mitochondrial pathways, ultimately leading to alterations in energy metabolism and demonstrating its role as a new potential metastasis suppressor gene.

Metabolic reprogramming in Nrf2-driven proliferation of normal rat hepatocytes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways to support bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs and to maintain their redox balance. In several human tumors, the Keap1-Nrf2 system controls proliferation and metabolic reprogramming by regulating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). However, whether this metabolic reprogramming also occurs in normal proliferating cells is unclear.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

To define the metabolic phenotype in normal proliferating hepatocytes, we induced cell proliferation in the liver by 3 distinct stimuli: liver regeneration by partial hepatectomy and hepatic hyperplasia induced by 2 direct mitogens: lead nitrate (LN) or triiodothyronine. Following LN treatment, well-established features of cancer metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glycolysis, oxidative PPP, nucleic acid synthesis, NAD + /NADH synthesis, and altered amino acid content, as well as downregulated oxidative phosphorylation, occurred in normal proliferating hepatocytes displaying Nrf2 activation. Genetic deletion of Nrf2 blunted LN-induced PPP activation and suppressed hepatocyte proliferation. Moreover, Nrf2 activation and following metabolic reprogramming did not occur when hepatocyte proliferation was induced by partial hepatectomy or triiodothyronine.

CONCLUSIONS

Many metabolic changes in cancer cells are shared by proliferating normal hepatocytes in response to a hostile environment. Nrf2 activation is essential for bridging metabolic changes with crucial components of cancer metabolic reprogramming, including the activation of oxidative PPP. Our study demonstrates that matured hepatocytes exposed to LN undergo cancer-like metabolic reprogramming and offers a rapid and useful in vivo model to study the molecular alterations underpinning the differences/similarities of metabolic changes in normal and neoplastic hepatocytes.

HIF-1-mediated regulation of LDH gene unravels key insights into MCDV-1 pathogenesis in mud crabs Scylla paramamosain

Hypoxia-inducible factors -1 (HIF-1) is a crucial transcription factor that regulates the expression of glycolytic genes. Our previous study proved that the Mud crab dicistrovirus-1 (MCDV-1) can induce aerobic glycolysis that favors viral replication in mud crab Scylla paramamosain. However, the role of HIF-1 on key glycolytic genes during the MCDV-1 infection has not been examined. In this study, the intricate interplay between HIF-1 and the key glycolysis enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was investigated after MCDV-1 infection. The expression of LDH was significant increased after MCDV-1 infection. Additionally, the expression of HIF-1α was upregulated following MCDV-1 infection, potentially attributed to the downregulation of prolyl hydroxylase domains 2 expression. Subsequent examination of the SpLDH promoter identified the presence of hypoxia response elements (HREs), serving as binding sites for HIF-1α. Intriguingly, experimental evidence demonstrated that SpHIF-1α actively promotes SpLDH transcription through these HREs. To further elucidate the functional significance of SpHIF-1α, targeted silencing was employed, resulting in a substantial reduction in SpLDH expression, activity, and lactate concentrations in MCDV-1-infected mud crabs. Notably, SpHIF-1α-silenced mud crabs exhibited higher survival rates and lower viral loads in hepatopancreas tissues following MCDV-1 infection. These results highlight the critical role of SpHIF-1α in MCDV-1 pathogenesis by regulating LDH gene dynamics, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the virus-host interaction.

Mitochondrial metabolism as a dynamic regulatory hub to malignant transformation and anti-cancer drug resistance

Glycolysis is the fundamental cellular process that permits cancer cells to convert energy and grow anaerobically. Recent developments in molecular biology have made it evident that mitochondrial respiration is critical to tumor growth and treatment response. As the principal organelle of cellular energy conversion, mitochondria can rapidly alter cellular metabolic processes, thereby fueling malignancies and contributing to treatment resistance. This review emphasizes the significance of mitochondrial biogenesis, turnover, DNA copy number, and mutations in bioenergetic system regulation. Tumorigenesis requires an intricate cascade of metabolic pathways that includes rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, supply of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle through amino acids, and the interaction between mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Cancer recurrence or resistance to therapy often results from the cooperation of several cellular defense mechanisms, most of which are connected to mitochondria. Many clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of inhibiting mitochondrial respiration as a potential cancer therapeutic. We aim to summarize innovative strategies and therapeutic targets by conducting a comprehensive review of recent studies on the relationship between mitochondrial metabolism, tumor development and therapeutic resistance.

A Potential "Anti-Warburg Effect" in Circulating Tumor Cell-mediated Metastatic Progression?

Metabolic reprogramming is a defining hallmark of cancer metastasis, warranting thorough exploration. The tumor-promoting function of the "Warburg Effect", marked by escalated glycolysis and restrained mitochondrial activity, is widely acknowledged. Yet, the functional significance of mitochondria-mediated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) during metastasis remains controversial. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered metastatic precursors that detach from primary or secondary sites and harbor the potential to seed distant metastases through hematogenous dissemination. A comprehensive metabolic characterization of CTCs faces formidable obstacles, including the isolation of these rare cells from billions of blood cells, coupled with the complexities of ex vivo-culturing of CTC lines or the establishment of CTC-derived xenograft models (CDX). This review summarized the role of the "Warburg Effect" in both tumorigenesis and CTC-mediated metastasis. Intriguingly, bioinformatic analysis of single-CTC transcriptomic studies unveils a potential OXPHOS dominance over Glycolysis signature genes across several important cancer types. From these observations, we postulate a potential "Anti-Warburg Effect" (AWE) in CTCs-a metabolic shift bridging primary tumors and metastases. The observed AWE could be clinically important as they are significantly correlated with therapeutic response in melanoma and prostate patients. Thus, unraveling dynamic metabolic regulations within CTC populations might reveal an additional layer of regulatory complexities of cancer metastasis, providing an avenue for innovative anti-metastasis therapies.